Özçelikay, Gülbin; Özkaya, Yağmur

Amaç: Tüm dünyada olduğu gibi Türkiye’nin de nüfusu, sağlık alanındaki gelişmeler ve doğum oranlarının azalması sonucunda giderek yaşlanmaktadır. Yaşlı bireylerin sayısının toplum içinde giderek artması ile birlikte sağlık alanında farklı sorunlar ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu araştırma, yaşlı bireylerin reçete edilen ilaçların kullanımı hakkında sahip oldukları bilgi düzeylerini saptamak ve eczacılar tarafından uygulanan ilaç eğitim programının ilaç bilgi düzeylerine etkisini incelemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Araştırmanın materyalini, Ankara ilinde bulunan, 3 farklı huzurevinde yaşayan sürekli ilaç kullanmakta olan ve ilaçlarını kendisi alan 65 yaş ve üzeri 62 bireye uygulanan anket formları oluşturmaktadır. Demografik bilgiler, hastalık ve ilaç bilgisi, ilaç kullanımında eczacının rolü ile ilgili olmak üzere üç bölümden oluşan anket formu araştırmacılar tarafından uzman görüşü alınarak ve pilot çalışmalar sonucunda geliştirilerek hazırlanmıştır. Anket formu ve ilaç bilgi formu ön test olarak 62 hastaya uygulanmıştır. Daha sonra hastalara, Farmakolog eczacı tarafından akılcı ilaç kullanımı ile ilgili eğitim verilmiştir. Eğitim, teorik bilgi ve bire bir danışmanlık şeklinde tasarlanmıştır. Eğitim sonrası yine aynı anket formu uygulanarak son test gerçekleştirilmiştir. İlk ve son test sonuçları SPSS ver. 23.0 programı kullanılarak değerlendirilmiştir. Sonuç ve Tartışma: İlaçlarını kendi kendine alabilen yaşlı hastalara verilen eğitim sonrasında, kullandıkları ilacın adı, ilacın kullanılma amacı, dozu, yan etkileri, saklama koşulları, son kullanma tarihlerinin kontrol edilmesi gerektiği, ilaç-besin etkileşimlerinin neler olduğu gibi konulardaki bilgi düzeyleri arasında ön test ve son test puanları karşılaştırıldığında anlamlı farklılık gözlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak; 65 yaş üstü yaşlı bireylerin, ilaçlarını akılcı kullanmaları konusunda eczacı yönetimli ilaç eğitim programlarının uygulanmasının yarar sağladığı görülmüştür.

Bayrakçeken Güven, Zühal; Tazegül Çavuşoğlu, Aysema

Objective: Food additives are widely used in industry to improve the appearance, quality and safety of food during processing, storage and packaging. The sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important agricultural product that is cultivated worldwide for seeds. Its seeds are one of the largest sources of vegetable oil. In this study, the biological activity of sunflower seeds as well as various plant parts, which are agricultural by-products and mostly treated as waste, was tested and their potential for use as a food additive was determined. Material and Method: The antiproliferative effect of six different plant parts (seeds, ray florets, disc florets, leaves, stems and receptacle) of four sunflower varieties (DERAY, SY GRANIT, P64 LP 130, TR 2242 CL) against the healthy cell line L929 was investigated using the MTT method and the concentration range that can be safely used was determined. The antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH, TEAC and CUPRAC methods. Inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase was investigated to prevent enzymatic browning of food. Result and Discussion: It was found that even at concentration of 400 and 800 µg/ml, safe use is possible. In all methods, disc floret and ray floret showed a strong antioxidant effect. In the DPPH free radical scavenging effect of the ray floret of the TR 2242 CL showed the highest value with 101.40 mg gallic acid/g extract. Disc and ray floret showed strong inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme in all varieties. The enzyme inhibition of methanol extracts of TR 2242 CL ray and disc floret was found to be 60.42 and 151.25 mg KAE/g extract, respectively. The lack of cytotoxicity against healthy cells, the high antioxidant capacity and the strong anti-browning activity suggest that sunflower agro-food byproducts may be a new, non-toxic, cost-effective and recyclable source to be used in the food industry instead of food additives that have negative side effects on health.

Aydin, Bilge; Yuca, Hafize; Öztürk, Gözde; Tekman, Enes; Karakaya, Songül; Göger, Gamze; Önal, Mehmet; Demirci, Betül; Güvenalp, Zühal; Syta, Oksana

Objective: The chemical composition and bioactive properties of essential oils, fatty oils and aqueous extracts of Prunus cerasifera, Malus sylvestris and Cornus mas were investigated. Material and Method: Antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities of P. cerasifera, M. sylvestris and C. mas were reported. The quantitative determination of some secondary metabolites was also analysed by LC-MS/MS. The chemical composition of the essential oils was also investigated by GC-MS. Result and Discussion: Fatty oils’ major compounds were oleic acid (77.1%) in P. cerasifera, palmitic acid (32.5%) in M. sylvestris fruits, and linoleic acid (43.2%) in C. mas seeds. Benzaldehyde (70.1%), nonacosane (30.4%), (E,E)-2,4-Decadienal (43.3%) were found as major compounds of P. cerasifera, M. sylvestris fruits, and C. mas seed essential oils, respectively. Quinic acid was predominant compound in all extracts, ranging from 11262.2996 to 18179.6260 ng/ml. C. mas fatty oil was showed antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis with MIC =625-1250 µg/ml. P. cerasifera, C. mas, and M. sylvestris hold potential as α-glucosidase inhibitors, with varying degrees of potency. IC50 values further underscore effectiveness of aqueous extracts, especially in cases of C. mas and M. sylvestris with <10 and 399 µg/ml.

Pezik, Esra

Objective: LMT is an antiepileptic drug that is among the drugs being repositioned/reprofiled beyond its original medical indications, thanks to its promising anticancer activity profiles on various cancer cells. In this study, the improvement of the poor aqueous solubility of LMT using solid dispersion technique with different polymeric/surfactant carriers in different ratios and the antiproliferative effect potentials of the obtained optimum LMT solid dispersion on A549 and RG-2 cells were determined. Material and Method: LMT solid dispersions were prepared using four different carrier types (PEG 4000, PEG 6000, poloxamer 188 and poloxamer 407) and five different drug to carrier ratios (1:2-1:4-1:6-1:8-1:10) according to the melting method and the change in the solubility profile was determined by solubility studies performed according to the shake-flask method. The MTT assay protocol was used to determine the cytotoxicity profile of the selected optimum solid dispersion (F8) on A549 and RG-2 cell lines. The interaction of LMT with the formulation components and the solid-state characteristics within the formulation were evaluated by XRD, DSC, FTIR, and SEM analyses. Result and Discussion: The solubility studies showed that LMT exhibits a pH-dependent solubility profile, and the highest solubility increase (2.3 fold) in solid dispersion formulations was obtained with the F8 formulation using poloxamer 407 at a 1:6 ratio. XRD, DSC, FTIR, and SEM analysis results explain the partial amorphization of LMT in the F8 formulation. In vitro cytotoxicity studies have shown that LMT has a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect on RG-2 cells, but no significant cytotoxic effect at low doses (10-80 µg/ml). For A549 cells, cell viability decreased with increasing doses, suggesting promising results regarding antiproliferative effects at higher doses.

Kedik, Cheeghdam; Faydali, Nagihan; Dilek, Esra; Şirinzade, Hanif

Objective: In this study, novel 5-fluoroindolylmethylene hydrazone derivatives were synthesized and assessed for their potential inhibitory effects on human carbonic anhydrase I and II (hCA I and II) enzymes through both in vitro and in silico approaches. Material and Method: Accordingly, starting from 5-fluoroindole, 5-fluoroindole-3-carboxaldehyde was synthesized. The target final compounds were then obtained by condensing substituted phenylhydrazine with 5-fluoroindole-3-carboxaldehyde, resulting in three Schiff base derivatives (2a, 2b, and 2c). Result and Discussion: The synthesized compounds demonstrated effective inhibition of cytosolic carbonic anhydrase isoforms hCA I and II, with Ki values ranging from 32.28±7.09 to 74.86±10.90 nM for hCA I and 8.79±1.92 to 60.40±14.64 nM for hCA II. Among them, compound 2a exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect on both isoenzymes. In vitro results were verified with the results obtained by docking studies and interactions with enzymes were demonstrated. These novel 5-fluoroindolylmethylene hydrazone derivatives show promise as potent inhibitors of cytosolic CA isoenzymes.

Bayar, İrem; Çağlar Yavuz, Sevtap; Akkoç, Senem

Objective: Lignans are important biologically active compounds in diphenolic structure. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is a significant type of lignan known to have anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to investigate the antiproliferative activity properties of SDG on hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2), colorectal cancer cells (DLD-1), lung carcinoma (A549), and prostate cancer (PC3) cell lines. Material and Method: Cell viability of cancer cells was determined by the MTT method after treatment with various concentrations of SDG at 48 or 72 hours. The DFT (Density Functional Theory) analysis of the SDG was performed using Spartan'10 and visualized. Drug-likeness and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME-Tox) properties of this compound were examined. Molecular docking was carried out to research the biological activity of SDG. Result and Discussion: Our results showed that SDG exhibited significant cytotoxicity only against DLD-1 cells with IC50 value of 37.45 µM, but inactive against other cancer cell lines as in vitro. 4UYA, which biomarker for colon cancer, is the crystal structure of the MLK4 kinase domain. The binding energy value for the SDG-MLK4 kinase domain was calculated as -6.1 kcal/mol. Anticancer potential was verified by in vitro assay and in silico molecular docking study. In conclusion, this study revealed the protective aspect of SDG against colon cancer and showed that it has promising anticancer activity.

Gözcü, Sefa; Korkmaz, Mustafa; Çorlu, Sercan; Tuysuz, Suat

Objective: This research was carried out to record the usage of plants, parts of this plant used, and methods of preparation by people living in 10 districts and 58 villages of Erzincan province. Material and Method: The medicinal plant species used by the local people for treatment, was collected and determined. All traditionally used information was collected; herbarium materials were prepared, They are deposited in Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University herbarium (EBYU), Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University. Result and Discussion: A total of 100 medical plants taxa pertaining to 39 families were defined in this research. Out of these, 88 species grew naturally, while 12 species were cultivated. The most widespread plant families were Asteraceae (14), Lamiaceae (8), and Rosaceae (14). Infusion was the most widely used preparation method. The utilization of traditional medicine was still extensive among the people in Erzincan. However, through increscent health service facilities in region, herbal medicine seemed to be more related to health care and illness prevention than curation. There is also the loss of traditional knowledge as it receives new immigrants. There is a gradual loss of traditional knowledge on the use of medicinal plants, both in younger generations and due to migration.

Muca Yiğit, Belkıs; Gözcü, Sefa

Objective: This study was conducted to systematically document the use of plants, plant parts and preparation methods used by people in eight districts and sixty villages in Ağrı province. Material and Method: The medicinal plant species employed by the indigenous population for therapeutic purposes were systematically gathered and identified. Comprehensive data on traditionally utilized information were compiled, and herbarium materials were prepared. These materials have been deposited at the Iğdır National Wild Life Museum (INWM), affiliated with Iğdır University. Result and Discussion: This research identified a total of 58 taxa of medicinal plants belonging to 31 families. Among these, 50 species were found to grow naturally, while 8 species were cultivated. The predominant plant families included Asteraceae (8), Apiaceae (4), Lamiaceae (4), and Rosaceae (4). Infusion emerged as the most widely employed preparation method. The practice of traditional medicine remained prevalent among the population in Ağrı. Nevertheless, with the increasing availability of health services in the region, herbal medicine appeared to be more closely associated with healthcare and illness prevention than with curative purposes. The influx of new immigrants also contributed to the erosion of traditional knowledge. Notably, there is a discernible decline in traditional knowledge regarding the use of medicinal plants, both among younger generations and due to migration. Furthermore, this research serves as a foundational resource for prospective scientific inquiries aimed at the development of novel commercial drugs derived from plant sources.

Yuca, Hafize; Demi̇Rcan, Hakkı Cem; Aydin, Bilge; Önal, Mehmet; Tekman, Enes; Ci̇Vaş, Ayşe; Nobari̇Rezaeyeh, Mohaddeseh; Göger, Gamze; Karakaya, Songül; Güvenalp, Zühal

Objective: Qualitative and quantitative determination of catechin in fruits of J. communis var. saxatilis, J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, P. spinosa, and P. cerasifera was analyzed by LC-MS/MS using standards. Antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of fruit and cone extracts of these plants were evaluated. Qualitative analysis of secondary metabolites was also done. Material and Method: Antimicrobial activity was done with MIC. ABTS·+ and DPPH• scavenging activies were used antioxidant activity. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays were done for antidiabetic activity. Result and Discussion: JCS (IC50 = 578 ± 20 μg/ml), JOO (IC50 = 3706 ± 52 μg/ml), and PS (IC50 = 313 ± 7 μg/ml) extracts were observed to show a higher activity than acarbose (IC50 = 4061 ± 146 μg/ml). J. communis var. saxatilis fruit extract was observed with MIC values between (312.5 - 2500 µg/ml) against all microorganisms. JCS extract has the highest phenolic composition and JOO has the lowest phenolic composition (µg GAE/ mg extract). JCS extract indicated the highest antioxidant activity. It was determined that plant containing the highest catechin (1173.3±5.77 ng/ml) and epigallocatechin (208±7.21 ng/ml) was JCS. In this research, it can be said that JCS with the highest tannin content shows the highest effects.

Balci Özyurt, Aylin; Özkemahli, Gizem; Yaman, Ünzile; Aşçi, Ali; Kizilgün, Murat; Erkekoğlu, Pınar; Koçer-Gümüşel, Belma

Objective: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were very widely used in industrial products in past. These chemicals were banned in the 1970s due to their toxic effects. PCBs can still affect human health, as they are persistent in the environment. Aroclor 1254 (A1254) is a commercial PCB congener which was used in electrical transformers, fluorescent lighting fixtures and old appliances such as televisions or refrigerators. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of A1254 on heart and thyroid in male Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, the modifying role of selenium status was also evaluated. Material and Method: 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used in the experiment. The animals were separated randomly into 6 groups (n=6) as control; selenium supplemented (SeS); selenium deficient (SeD); A1254 exposed (A); selenium supplemented A1254 exposed (ASeS) and selenium deficient A1254 exposed (ASeD). A1254 was applied by gavage during the last 15 days of feeding period. Heart and thyroid weights and relative weights, plasma thyroid hormone levels, as well as thyroid and heart tissue oxidative/antioxidative parameters were evaluated. Result and Discussion: Results showed that A1254 exposure and selenium deficiency caused oxidative stress on both heart and thyroid. Plasma fT3 and fT4 levels markedly changed in ASeD group. In conclusion, it can be stated that A1254 exposure can cause lead to oxidative/antioxidative imbalance in both thyroid and heart and can disrupt functioning of thyroid hormones. Selenium seems to have a modifying role in A1254 toxicity in both organs, the importance of which should be evaluated with further mechanistic experiments.